Officer Chris Rankin

Public Information Officer

903-798-3187 (office) 903-260-0294 (pager)

903-824-4199 (cell) 903-798-3023 (fax)

Texarkana Arkansas Police Badge

Re: Bee Swarm

Texarkana Arkansas Police and Fire units responded to the 1800 block of Orange St. in reference to a report of two swarms of bees that had gathered near a house at that location.

The incident began when a gas company employee advised the resident that a large group of bees had gathered in a bush near the house. The bees were behaving aggressively toward him and were flying around his vehicle which was parked nearby. Patrol officers responded to the scene and advised that one of the swarms appeared to be approximately the size of a basketball. The second swarm was approximately half that size and was located under the eve of the house. Fire units were notified and responded to the scene.

Officers notified residents in the area to secure their pets and remain indoors while the fire department sprayed the swarms with foam. The foam mixture is used to soak the bees which in turn makes it difficult for them to fly. It is unknown at this time if the bees were Africanized.

Another swarm was later located near the intersection of E.48th and Pinson Street. It too was removed by the fire department.

The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department would like to remind citizens that at this time of year it is very common to find swarms of bees. If anyone finds a swarm it should not be approached and citizens are urged to report to police/fire officials by calling 911.

Thank you and you can visit the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department online at http://www.txkusa.org/arkpolice.